Irish head coach Andy Farrell has made a bold decision today by selecting Leinster and Irish out-half Sam Prendergast for the clash against Australia on Saturday.
Prendergast started his first Ireland game against Fiji last weekend and will now be tasked with duties at 10 for Ireland against Joe Schmidt's Australia side.
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe will start in Farrell's back three for Saturday’s 150th Anniversary Test against Australia at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki form Ireland's midfield partnership. The backline is completed by Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum half.
In the front row, Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, and Finlay Bealham get the nod, while Joe McCarthy and James Ryan provide engine room cover. The side is completed by a back row trio of captain, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, and Tadgh Beirne.
Cian Healy, who made his Ireland debut against Australia in November 2009, is set to break the Irish appearance record off the bench. He is joined by Gus McCarthy, Tom O’Toole, Ian Henderson, and Peter O’Mahony.
Backs Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, and Garry Ringrose complete the Ireland match-day squad for the final Test of the year.
Our line up to face Australia in Saturday's 150th Anniversary Test! 👊#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 28, 2024
Andy Farrell said: “Saturday’s Test match is a significant milestone in the story of Irish rugby. Aside from the 150th celebrations, for Cian (Healy), it presents the opportunity to break the Test Cap record, which is a remarkable achievement considering the robustness of his position. Cian is a giant of Irish rugby, and we are determined to provide him with a performance that he deserves.
“We have seen steady improvements over the last few weeks, and the visit of a strong Wallabies team presents another challenge for the squad. There has been a collective determination to drive forward and finish the Autumn Nations Series on a high.”
Saturday’s match is live on Virgin Media One in the Republic of Ireland and TNT Sports in the United Kingdom, with live radio coverage available on RTÉ Radio 1.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki; James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (captain).
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose.
See More: Football, Ireland, Sam Prendergast
